Champ Steve Carl meets Rousimar Palhares in WSOF 9 headliner

(This story appears in today’s edition of USA TODAY.)

LAS VEGAS – Polarizing submission wizard Rousimar Palhares‘ WSOF debut will include a shot at the Las Vegas-based promotion’s welterweight title.

WSOF President Ray Sefo revealed to USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie that Palhares (15-5) will face the promotion’s current 170-pound champ, Steve Carl (21-3), in the headlining bout of “WSOF 9: Carl vs. Palhares” on March 29. The event’s main card airs on NBC Sports Network from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. MMAjunkie carries the prelims.

“Rousimar has long been considered one of the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners on the planet,” Sefo said. “But Steve Carl has submitted all three opponents he’s faced in the World Series of Fighting decagon, including his October win over Josh Burkman to become champion. I think this is going to be an incredible championship fight and a memorable main event.”

Palhares signed with WSOF in November following a 12-fight stint with MMA’s premier organization, the UFC. The UFC released him following an October win over Mike Pierce in which the Brazilian was slow to release a potentially dangerous heel-hook submission.

It was the second such incident of Palhares’ UFC run. The 33-year-old, who quickly became the target of fans and fellow fighters’ criticism, has since admitted fault and apologized for his actions. Palhares also sought the counseling of highly respected MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and has promised to avoid any future incidents.

Meanwhile, Carl has already fought three times for WSOF while tapping out Ramico Blackmon and Tyson Steele, each via rear-naked choke, before putting Burkman to sleep with a triangle choke to claim the belt.

WSOF 9 tickets go on sale this week, and additional bout announcements will be made in the coming weeks, Sefo said.

For more on WSOF 9, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Rousimar Palhares)